SMART solar program update

November 19, 2017

Last week, DOER issued an announcement about the next steps in the SMART solar development process, namely the competitive procurement process that will establish the base compensation rates for new solar projects. We've pasted the announcement below.

DOER is pleased to announce that Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil (collectively, the Distribution Companies), have selected CLEAResult, Inc. as the Solar Program Administrator. CLEAResult will be responsible for developing a program website, application portal, administering the initial 100 MW procurement, and performing the review of all applications submitted under the program. CLEAResult will be partnering with Clean Power Research to develop the application portal for the SMART Program. DOER and the Distribution Companies look forward to working with the CLEAResult team as we continue to prepare for the launch of SMART.

Additionally, as part of the SMART Program and pursuant to 225 CMR 20.07(3)(a), the Distribution Companies, in consultation with DOER, have developed a request for proposals (RFP) for approximately 100 MW solar projects in their respective utility service territories. This RFP was jointly issued by the Distribution Companies earlier today and aims to procure approximately 100 MW of eligible solar projects statewide. The RFP is posted on both the SMART Program website and DOER’s website.

Bidders will be able to submit an application with respect to the RFP through CLEAResult’s application website, masmartsolar.powerclerk.com, which will be open for bid submissions from November 27, 2017, through the application deadline of 5:00 PM EDT on December 5, 2017. Results of the RFP will be announced by DOER no later than January 11, 2018, and will establish the Block 1 Base Compensation Rates under the SMART Program, pursuant to 225 CMR 20.07(3)(b) and (c).

As required by 225 CMR 20.07(3)(a)1., the Distribution Companies will be hosting a bidder’s conference at the following time and location:

The purpose of bidder conference is to provide interested bidders with an opportunity to obtain more information on the RFP and to answer any questions regarding the RFP. Written questions on the RFP will be accepted through November 20, 2017 at 12:00 PM ET and should be submitted toma.smart@clearesult.com. Responses will be provided by November 22, 2017.

This RFP is the next step in the process towards implementation of the SMART Program. For information on the current status of the DPU proceeding on the model SMART tariff filed by the Distribution Companies, stakeholders should visit the DPU file room and search for docket number 17-140.